MOUNT DORA -- Built in 1883, the inn that would become a Lake County icon started out as a simple two-story, 10-room hotel with clapboard siding. At the time, it was just the right size for a rugged pioneer town surrounded by wilderness. Mount Dora was then little more than a post office, and the one-building hotel called the Alexander House was considered large. Today, downtown's Lakeside Inn has 86 guest accommodations and five Old Florida-style buildings spread out over the oak-shaded estate on the shores of Lake Dora.

Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards' 20th annual Harvest Grape Stomp is this weekend at the winery, 19239 U.S. Highway 27, south of Clermont. Anyone willing to take off their shoes and stomp out the juice of large squishy grapes inside a pit can participate at one of several grape-stomping competitions during the two-day event. Winners of each two-minute timed stomp-off will receive a prize. The event also will feature children activities including bounce houses, live music, complimentary winery tours and wine tasting.

MOUNT DORA - If you like to eat out and like a helping of history, you may want to take a look at "A Century of Restaurants," a new book by barbecue guru Rick Browne, that includes the Lakeside Inn. Browne will sign copies of the book in the lobby of the inn at 4 p.m. Sunday. The coffee-table tome names 100 restaurants in the U.S. that have been open at least 100 years that also have geographic, historical and culinary significance. "I'm hoping to sell the book, not to make me a millionaire, but I really, really want people to treasure these restaurants and to patronize them," he said.

The Florida Department of Health in Lake County in conjunction with the Central Florida Area Health Education Center is sponsoring a free six-week and a two-hour smoking-cessation programs (all forms of tobacco), which includes free nicotine-replacement therapy patches, gum and lozenges (while supplies last), free carbon-monoxide testing and classroom materials. Instructors teach a step-by-step class in how to change behavior and stop smoking and other nicotine-addiction habits. "Quit Smoking Now" is designed by an ex-smoker and led by a trained facilitator.

CHAPTER 11. Partners in the Lakeside Inn, a Mount Dora landmark, have filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code, saying they need more time to negotiate a joint-venture deal with new investors. In June HFC Commercial Realty filed a $4.05 million foreclosure suit against the Lakeside Inn, claiming that the owners were not making mortgage payments. HFC Realty recently rejected a refinancing proposal from the owners. ''They're playing a little poker, we're playing a little poker, and the game isn't over yet,'' owner Steve Roche said Friday.

MOUNT DORA — The Lakeside Inn has long been one of this city's iconic treasures. Built in 1883, the Old Florida-style hotel on the shores of Lake Dora fills quickly during Mount Dora's fall and winter festivals. Its large oak trees, sweeping front porch with white wicker chairs and 1920s pool have attracted young couples and retirees from throughout the state looking for a weekend getaway. It's also a popular spot for weddings and receptions. But the quaint inn, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is facing tough times and needs renovations.

MOUNT DORA -- John Bristol felt he had the perfect job as general manager of the Lakeside Inn, family members and friends said. "He loved this property," said James Barggren, the hotel's owner. "He said it was his favorite place on Earth. He put his heart and soul into this place." Bristol's wife, June, agreed, adding that "his passion was the hotel business." Bristol collapsed and died Sunday morning at the Lakeside Inn. He was 61. Family members said Bristol had high blood pressure and may have suffered a heart attack.

MOUNT DORA - From serious dragon-boat racers to weekend kayak paddlers, folks who love to be on the water will find something fun to do at the Mount Dora Paddle Fest. The event, which starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, will welcome dragon boats, canoes, kayaks, surfskis, stand up paddlers and outrigger canoes to the Lakeside Inn for sprints, longer races and eco-tours from Lake Dora into Lake Beauclair. "It was a natural fit for Lake Dora, Mount Dora and the inn," co-owner Jim Gunderson said.

MOUNT DORA -- The historic Lakeside Inn is providing its guests with many new services, including bridal-party accommodations, yoga, health-conscious meals, diet coaching and spa treatments such as massages, facials and makeup artistry. Massage therapist and spa owner Donna Swain is expanding to the historic inn, offering services inside its Sunset Building on Lake Dora. These will be offered to inn guests through special packages. The inn at 100 N. Alexander St. often has five weddings taking place on the weekends, so many spa services will be tailored for a bride and her party.

The Lakeside Chamber Players, several members from the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, will present its second in a series of free concerts at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora. The one-hour program will feature the music of American composers including genres of jazz, musical theater, Great American Songbook standards, a classical repertoire, and 11-year-old Veronica Harris improvising classical ballet movement to some of the songs. Painter and courtroom artist Barbara Maxwell will create a piece of the performers during the concert, which will be auctioned after the concert.

Lake County is an artistic place. That's evident by the slew of choices facing residents looking for fun things to do this weekend. For starters, there's the 13th Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale and Benefit (story on this page). Want more? OK, here's a sampling of other possibilities: •Lakeside Chamber Players will perform "Americana," a one-hour concert, on Sunday at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. •A new exhibit, "Big Women," opens tonight at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. •The Moonlight Players' production of "Beyond Therapy" opens tonight.

MOUNT DORA - For the second year, the Lakeside Chamber Players will perform a salute to American artists including George Gershwin, Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein. "Americana," a one-hour concert, will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, in the dining room of the Lakeside Inn. The atmosphere will again be casual, cabaret-style, with the inn offering food and drink. Baritone James Ziehr will perform the national anthem to open the concert and he will jump into the selections of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," on "Ol' Man River.

WHAT : Mount Dora's historic Lakeside Inn makes full use of its view of Lake Dora with this weekend's Street Palooza. Local crafters and food vendors will line the streets in front of the Inn, setting the scene for a sunset concert by folksy favorites The Wholetones. Admission is free, but be sure to pay it forward on the fun with a donation of cash or nonperishable food to benefit families in need through the Lake Cares Food Pantry. WHEN : 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19 WHERE : Lakeside Inn, 100 Alexander St., Mount Dora COST : Free (donations accepted to benefit Lake Cares Food Pantry)

Volunteers are invited to assist with the release of leaf-feeding beetles at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Palm Island Park, 411 S. Tremain St., Mount Dora. The Lake County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is hosting the event, which will help rid the environment of the air potato - an invasive vine that inhibits the growth of other plants. The beetles don't damage other plants. It is a host-specific feeder, meaning it does not eat other plants, even those that are closely related.

MOUNT DORA - Blues vocalist, jazz guitarist, composer and music producer George Grosman played in Israel, Iceland, Canada and the Czech Republic before moving to Florida recently. He said the blues speaks all languages. "Put a blues band in Nigeria or Iceland," he said. "They will find an audience. The blues is a universal musical expression. It's like an unfiltered pathway to your heart. " Grosman and his band, Gypsy Bluez, will play in the first free Summer Lawn Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lakeside Inn. He remembered liking the Beatles but being intrigued by the Rolling Stones.

MOUNT DORA - In addition to a visit by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich, the Florida National Organization for Women State Conference will be highlighted by an icon in the organization, Patricia Ireland. The national organization's ninth president from 1991 to 2001 will be the keynote speaker at a luncheon Saturday during the conference at the Lakeside Inn. Ireland, author of "What Women Want," attended Florida State University College of Law before being awarded her law degree by the University of Miami.

WHAT : Mount Dora's historic Lakeside Inn makes full use of its view of Lake Dora with this weekend's Street Palooza. Local crafters and food vendors will line the streets in front of the Inn, setting the scene for a sunset concert by folksy favorites The Wholetones. Admission is free, but be sure to pay it forward on the fun with a donation of cash or nonperishable food to benefit families in need through the Lake Cares Food Pantry. WHEN : 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19 WHERE : Lakeside Inn, 100 Alexander St., Mount Dora COST : Free (donations accepted to benefit Lake Cares Food Pantry)

MOUNT DORA -- Perhaps no guests attracted more attention at the Lakeside Inn during the 1920s and 1930s than Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace. Coolidge, the 30th U.S. president (1923-29), reportedly stayed at the inn as both a vice president and president. It was his January 1930 visit, however, that attracted the most attention and is well-documented. According to historical records, the Coolidges stayed at the inn for a month in January 1930 after his presidency. They stayed in the Terrace building in a room overlooking Lake Dora.

MOUNT DORA — If you go to the Psychic Fair, there are a few things the organizers want you to know. Mediums do believe in God. They believe in Jesus and the Bible. They do not forecast your death, so please don't ask. And they may not be able to call up the spirit of Great Aunt Gertie at the drop of a hat. At the fair, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lakeside Inn, people can have a 15-minute reading with one of 11 mediums from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m. "We want people to know what to expect from a reading," said Rev. Mary Rose Gray.

The LC Swing Big Band will present its final concert of the season at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Family Life Center of Lake Square Presbyterian Church, 10200 Morningside Drive, Leesburg. The "Swingin' into Spring Concert" will feature the 18-member band under the direction of Larry Lutte. A portion of the concert will showcase vocalists Ali Dickson and Harlous Wilson along with the musicians. Dickinson will sing "Falling in Love with You" and "Come in from the Rain. " Wilson will perform "New York, New York" and "Witchcraft.